Hippy Style, Okay. Add beaded curtains over the windows with a pull down shade underneath for privacy. Bright colors will work. On one feature wall paint a background color and the do some hippy graffiti.....Add words like Love, Peace, Groovy, Beattles, Rolling Stone, No War, paint bold flowers and a peace sign of course!

I am not sure about a change in style - contemporary vs. traditional is usually an inherent personal preference and not something you skip. But I see that smaller, single story homes regain popularity as we, the Baby Boomers, are reaching retirement. Urban living and walkable neighborhoods are in high demand, while the large home in the sticks is depreciating in line with rising gas prices. Architecture has always changed with the economy and overall living conditions and will continue to do so. There was an interesting ideabook on this topic. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/a-brief-recap-of-historical-american-home-design-stsetivw-vs~4512983

Hi - its such a big and important project, i really think you need to sit down with a good kitchen designer and fully tease out your requirements and then look at every possible layout option. by sitting down with someone, they will draw each possible layout to scale in front of you and that way you will be able to see the pros and cons of each design. it makes decision making much easier best of luck with the project Barry

Hi there, I have a open plan living/dining /kitchen. The shape is narrowish L shape with the dining area in the middle. I have a sideboard opposite the dining table. I have two questions. 1.how do I stop this area feeling like a walkway instead if it’s own space, and 2. How do I accessories my sideboard well. Ie lamps etc. Thank you!